I. Introduction
“Unholy” is a track from Justin Bieber’s latest album “Justice” which was released earlier this year. The song has grabbed the attention of many listeners due to its haunting melody, dark lyrics, and powerful voice delivery of Justin Bieber. In this article, we will explore the meaning of the song “Unholy” as well as deciphering the lyrics, themes, and symbolism used in the song.
II. Unraveling the Dark and Haunting Lyrics of ‘Unholy’
When listening to “Unholy”, the lyrics of the song may seem cryptic and mysterious. However, upon closer inspection of each line of the song, one can start to unravel the themes and motifs that are being used. The song starts by saying:
“Some things are better left unsaid But they still turn me inside out Don’t know why I keep running from the truth Oh, well”
The first few lines of the song hint at secrecy and hiding the truth. The protagonist of the song seems to be running away from something, and this is causing him internal turmoil. The song amplifies this feeling in the chorus which states:
“It’s so dark outside tonight But I’m not scared, oh, whoa, whoa My demons are there, they just don’t care, oh, whoa, whoa Some nights I’m just tryna find ways to get you off my mind”
The chorus of the song amplifies the emotion of the protagonist that he is not alone despite the dark outside, and his demons are with him that just don’t care about him. He suffers from insomnia and tries to forget someone, who seems to persistently haunt his thoughts. The lyrics are cryptic enough to suggest that the “you” being talked about does not necessarily have to be a person, but can be a concept or a part of oneself that one is struggling to let go of.
III. Exploring the Religious Themes in the Song ‘Unholy’
The song “Unholy” has heavy religious imagery and symbolism, which can be seen throughout the lyrics. For instance, the song starts with the lines:
“Some things are better left unsaid But they still turn me inside out”
This line can be interpreted as a reference to The Bible, where some things are better left unsaid, and ignorance is bliss. The song then goes on to say:
“Don’t know why I keep running from the truth Oh, well”
This line can also be seen as a reference to The Bible, where the truth sets one free. These religious allusions and motifs lend the song a darker and deeper layered meaning.
IV. Decoding the Symbolism of ‘Unholy’ and Its Meaning
The song “Unholy” is not just lyrically heavy. It is also full of symbolism that can decipher the deeper meaning of the song. The recurring symbol in the song is night time or darkness which is used to portray the protagonist’s emotional state. Apart from these, the song also mentions “demons” which is crucial to the song’s narrative. This symbol hints at the darker corners of self that one is trying to avoid or deny. Lastly, the concept of “Truth” is crucial to the song’s lyrics. This symbol can represent knowledge, salvation, and revelation which relate to the song’s message of revelation and realization.
V. Is ‘Unholy’ About a Personal Demon? Analyzing the Lyrics
As mentioned earlier, the song has ‘demons’ mentioned throughout the song. Though the song talks about demons, the deeper meaning of the song might not be the traditional supernatural demon, but the protagonist’s inner demons which are more human. The lyrics when read in context can suggest that the song is about a personal demon that the protagonist is struggling to defeat. This interpretation creates a more layered and nuanced meaning to the song and makes it more relatable to the general audience.
VI. The Evocative Imagery of ‘Unholy’: A Track Breakdown
The song “Unholy” is remarkable for the vivid imagery it portrays throughout the lyrics. For instance, in the line:
“It’s so dark outside tonight But I’m not scared, oh, whoa, whoa”
The image of dark outside can be interpreted as the emotional chaos of the protagonist. Also, the image of “demons” clearly picture the deeper fears and struggles that people go through. This use of imagery and strong emotive language sets the tone of the song and can be experienced independently, and through the lyrics.
VII. Breaking Down ‘Unholy’: What the Song Says About Love and Abandonment
The song “Unholy” has multiple themes and motifs that make it a unique experience. The overarching theme in the song is love and abandonment. The lyrics suggest that the protagonist suffered some heartbreak, and he is currently struggling to fight it. For instance, in the line:
“Some nights I’m just tryna find ways to get you off my mind”
It is clear that the protagonist is still struggling with the emotions related to his love. The phrase “you” in the song can represent the love interest, and the motif of ‘dark’ might suggest the relationship was unhealthy or toxic that caused the protagonist to spiral down emotionally.
VIII. Unmasking the Emotion Behind ‘Unholy’: An Analysis of the Music and Lyrics
One of the most powerful aspects of “Unholy” is how easily the song captures the emotion that the protagonist is going through. This is done by the interplay between the music and the lyrics. The music sets the dark and haunting tone of the song, while the lyrics convey the protagonist’s emotional turmoil. The potency of this interplay is seen in lines like:
“Don’t know why I keep running from the truth”
The line conveys a lot about the protagonist’s mindset, and the melody pulls you into that feeling. The music and the lyrics complement each other in conveying the emotion, deeper meanings, and nuances of the song.
IX. Conclusion
“Unholy” is a haunting and powerful song that looks into the depths of the human psyche. The song’s messages and motifs are conveyed through the lyrics, symbolism, and imagery create a multi-layered experience. The song’s clever interplay between music and lyrics enhance the emotional impact of the song on the listener. The song’s themes of love, abandonment, and confronting one’s own demons make it a relatable and powerful experience.